Southern University System

Southern University Army Reserve Officer Training Corp. (ROTC), Cadet Tony Nguyen is joining senior U.S. military leaders at the George C. Marshall ROTC Seminar on National Security in Lexington, Va, through April 17.

Nguyen, a senior history major and Geismer native, was chosen for the seminar after being selected as the top Army ROTC cadet at Southern. Nguyen is interacting with key military leaders and officials such as Army Chief of Staff, Gen. George W. Casey and Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren on a variety of issues directly bearing on national security.

“Cadet Nguyen has really excelled during his time here,” said Lt. Col. Shirl Sutton, SU Army ROTC Commanding Officer and Professor of Military Science. “He ranked in the top ten percent on the National ROTC Order of Merit List. He currently serves as our Cadet Battalion Commander, is active in the Louisiana Army National Guard and has earned Dean’s List Honors, with a current GPA of 3.8.”

“It is an honor to have been selected from among my peers to attend the George C. Marshall convention, representing the ‘Jaguar Battalion’ and Southern University,” said Nguyen. “I would have never imagined that I would have the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event when I first began Senior ROTC at the beginning of my college career. Having been chosen, I will strive to do my best and always keeping in mind our battalion motto, “Jaguar’s First,” said Nguyen.

In roundtable discussions led by internationally recognized experts Nguyen and other cadets will explore the implications of recent world events in the Middle East, the Far East, Africa and Israel. Methods of countering global terrorism and increasing Homeland Security will also be addressed in detail.

The Marshall ROTC Seminar is in its 32nd year. It is named in honor of George C. Marshall, who served as Army Chief of Staff during World War II. After concluding his military career, Marshall served as Secretary of State and later as Secretary of Defense during the Truman Administration. His efforts to help the economies of Europe recover from the ravages of World War II earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.

Nguyen is scheduled to be commissioned on May 14. After his commissioning, he will assume duties as an Infantry Lieutenant.

For more information about Southern Army ROTC program, call 225.771.4160.